Hair-shaping tool

ABSTRACT

a hair-shaping tool including: an orbital motion-generating mechanism for supporting a hair-shaping head; a handle including a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the orbital motion-generating mechanism is disposed on the proximal end and the distal end of the handle is configured to be held in a user&#39;s hand; and a circuit for controlling operations of the orbital motion-generating mechanism, the circuit configured for receiving a power source to power a motor that mobilizes the orbital motion-generating mechanism, wherein the circuit is configured to activate the orbital motion-generating mechanism when hair-shaping is desired and to deactivate the orbital motion-generating mechanism when hair-shaping is not desired.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. The Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a hair-shaping tool. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a motorized Afro hair-shaping tool.

2. Background Art

U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/368,623 to Durity (Hereinafter Durity) discloses a hair twisting system and method including a frame, the frame including a frame inner surface, a frame outer surface, and a frame front surface; strings extended between portions of the frame interior surface, the strings define areas between the strings, the strings providing woven moveable intersections, the strings configured to be: pressed down into hair towards a scalp, and then simultaneously moved out away from the scalp while being rotated until the strings disengage from the hair for creating twisted locks; and a handle coupled to the frame, the handle including side structures, the side structures providing an interior griping surface between the side structures and an exterior griping surface.

According to Durity, the African-American hair industry represents a quickly expanding and highly varied market. One notable trend beginning in the last decade of the twentieth century was a shift away from harsh and harmful chemicals towards more natural means. Although much development and innovation has advanced this growing market segment a need still remains for a simple, durable, portable, and washable product for creating beautiful, long lasting, natural African-American hair coils, which cannot be achieved with prior developments. Many prior developments are longitudinal and comb-like in configuration which have heating or steaming elements for retaining the curl. These products fail to provide adequate solutions to short naturally curly hair. Other prior developments have included brushes and combs with various types and shapes of bristles and teeth. These developments largely work to separate hair strands rather than provide a compact twist or coil of hair. Although Durity's hair twisting system may be useful for generating twisted locks, it does not alleviate the manually-exerted effort in achieving the intended results and it does not alleviate the need for a user from having to take breaks while working on one's hair.

There exists a need for a simple but targeted tool for providing motions required for shaping one's hair to result in the desired twisted locks and other African-American hair coils. When a hair-shaping task is entrusted to users with identical manually exerted tool, the results of using the tools can vary widely. There exists a need for a tool for providing consistent results of twisted locks and other African-American hair coils.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a hair-shaping tool including:

-   -   (a) an orbital motion-generating mechanism for supporting a         hair-shaping head;     -   (b) a handle including a distal end and a proximal end, wherein         the orbital motion-generating mechanism is disposed on the         proximal end and the distal end of the handle is configured to         be held in a user's hand; and     -   (c) a circuit for controlling operations of the orbital         motion-generating mechanism, the circuit is configured for         receiving a power source to power a motor that mobilizes the         orbital motion-generating mechanism, wherein the circuit is         configured to activate the orbital motion-generating mechanism         when hair-shaping is desired and to deactivate the orbital         motion-generating mechanism when hair-shaping is not desired.

In one embodiment, the orbital motion-generating mechanism includes a plate, a first gear, at least two second gears each including a connecting member having a first end and a second end, the first gear is configured to receive an output of a motor to cause a rotary motion of the first gear about an axis and the first gear is configured to be rotatably coupled to the at least two second gears to cause a rotary motion in each of the at least two second gears, each of the connecting members connecting, at a first end, one of the at least two second gears to the plate at a second end, wherein a rotation of the first gear causes the plate to orbit about the axis. In one embodiment, the plate of the orbital motion-generating mechanism is configured to produce an orbital motion of about 200-250 revolutions/minute about the axis. In one embodiment, at least one of the first end and the second end of each the connecting member is configured to allow a relative motion with respect to one of the at least two second gears and the plate. In one embodiment, the handle includes a member having a central axis substantially coaxially disposed with respect to the axis. In one embodiment, the handle includes a member having a central axis that is not coaxially disposed with respect to the axis. In one embodiment, the orbital motion-generating mechanism includes a plate and a sponge assembly removably attached to the plate. In one embodiment, the sponge assembly includes a backing and a sponge material attached to the backing. In one embodiment, the orbital motion-generating mechanism includes a plate, a sponge assembly and a hook-and-loop attachment system, wherein the sponge assembly is configured to be removably attached to the plate with the hook-and-loop attachment system.

An object of the present invention is to provide a tool for replacing the tedious task of shaping one's hair.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable tool for replacing the tedious task of shaping one's hair.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a user a self-administering tool for the user to shape his or her own hair.

Whereas there may be many embodiments of the present invention, each embodiment may meet one or more of the foregoing recited objects in any combination. It is not intended that each embodiment will necessarily meet each objective. Thus, having broadly outlined the more important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated, there are, of course, additional features of the present invention that will be described herein and will form a part of the subject matter of this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and objects of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view according to one embodiment of the present hair-shaping tool.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view according to one embodiment of the present hair-shaping tool.

FIG. 3 is a diagram depicting one embodiment of the present hair-shaping tool being utilized to shape one's hair.

FIG. 4 is a diagram depicting one embodiment of the present hair-shaping tool having been utilized to shape one's hair.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the present hair-shaping tool as taken along line A-A of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 6 is a diagram depicting one position of the head of a present hair-shaping tool along the path of an orbital motion traversed by the head.

FIG. 7 is a diagram depicting another position of the head of a present hair-shaping tool along the path of an orbital motion traversed by the head.

FIG. 8 is a diagram depicting yet another position of the head of a present hair-shaping tool along the path of an orbital motion traversed by the head.

FIG. 9 is a diagram depicting yet another position of the head of a present hair-shaping tool along the path of an orbital motion traversed by the head.

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view according to one embodiment of the present hair-shaping tool.

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the present hair-shaping tool shown in FIG. 10 .

FIG. 12 is a diagram depicting one embodiment of the present hair-shaping tool being utilized to shape one's hair.

FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view according to one embodiment of the present hair-shaping tool.

PARTS LIST

-   2—hair-shaping tool -   4—orbital motion-generating mechanism -   6—handle -   8—distal end -   10—proximal end -   12—circuit -   14—switch -   16—motor -   18—gear -   20—gear -   22—user -   24—hair -   26—housing -   28—power source -   30—head -   32—backing -   34—sponge or foam -   36—hook or loop -   38—hook or loop -   40—post or connecting member -   42—sleeve -   44—central axis of handle -   46—rotational axis of gear 18 -   48—user's hand -   50—rotational axis of gear 20 -   52—distance between rotational axis of gear 18 and connecting member     40 -   54—orientation of a connecting member 40 with respect to a vertical     axis -   56—plate -   58—combined length of handle 6 and housing 26 -   60—tilt switch -   62—wire frame -   64—width of housing -   66—width of handle -   68—length of handle -   70—height of housing -   72—diameter of head -   74—circumference of handle -   76—reach of head from housing -   78—vertical axis

PARTICULAR ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The present tool can be used to replace a repetitive, tedious, time-consuming and manually-performed task of manipulating one's hair to form twisted locks.

The present tool can be used to enhance a repetitive, tedious, time-consuming and manually-performed task of manipulating one's hair to form twisted locks by completing the task in a shorter amount of time as the same task performed manually.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The term “about” is used herein to mean approximately, roughly, around, or in the region of. When the term “about” is used in conjunction with a numerical range, it modifies that range by extending the boundaries above and below the numerical values set forth. In general, the term “about” is used herein to modify a numerical value above and below the stated value by a variance of 20 percent up or down (higher or lower).

The term “user” is used herein to mean an individual whose hair is being shaped to achieve intended results, e.g., twisted locks, etc., using a present hair-shaping tool. The term is used interchangeably to refer to an individual who uses a present hair-shaping tool to shape the individual's own hair or the hair of another.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view according to one embodiment of the present hair-shaping tool 2. FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view according to one embodiment of the present hair-shaping tool 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram depicting one embodiment of the present hair-shaping tool 2 being utilized to shape one's hair 24. FIG. 4 is a diagram depicting one embodiment of the present hair-shaping tool 2 having been utilized to shape one's hair 24. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the present hair-shaping tool 2 as taken along line A-A of FIG. 1 . The hair-shaping tool 2 includes an orbital motion-generating mechanism 4, a handle 6 and a circuit 12. The orbital motion-generating mechanism 4 is useful for supporting a hair-shaping head 30 configured to come in contact with the hair 24 of a user. The orbital motion-generating mechanism 4 includes a plate 56, a first gear 18 and at least two second gears 20, preferably four as shown, each including a connecting member having a first end and a second end. The first gear 18 is configured to receive an output of a motor 16 to cause a rotary motion of the first gear 18 about a rotational axis 46 and the first gear 18 is configured to be rotatably coupled to the second gears 20 to cause a rotary motion in each of the second gears 20. As the motor is turned on, gear 18 which is attached to the output of motor 16, starts to rotate about axis 46, turning gears 20 about their respective axes 50. Each of the connecting members 40 connects, at a first end, one of the second gears 20 to the plate 56 at a second end. It shall be noted that at least one of the first end and the second end of each of the connecting members 40 must be capable of relative motion with respect to one of the second gears 20 and the plate 56.

Each second gear 20 must be capable of making complete revolutions about its axis 50. Here, it shall be noted that the connection a connecting member 40 makes with a second gear 20 is not rigid as the connecting member 40 is configured to be rotatable with respect to the second gear 20 to allow the orbital motion of the plate 56 to be generated. Therefore when the first gear 18 is motivated, it causes each of the second gears 20 to rotate which in turn causes the plate 56 to orbit about axis 46. Applicant discovered that a simple rotary movement of a head equipped with a suitable material would not be capable of creating satisfactory twisted locks. In one embodiment, the plate of the orbital motion-generating mechanism is configured to produce a rotational speed of about 200-250 revolutions/minute of the plate to result in a head speed that suitable for producing twisted locks without damaging the hair. A sleeve 42 that spans substantially the entire length of each connecting member 40 may be used around each connecting member 40 to prevent loose strands, e.g., hair, lint, etc., from getting reeled in by the connecting members 40 in motion as the sleeve 42 is capable of rotation about its rotational axis 50 and incapable of grabbing loose strands to getting the loose strands entangled in the moving parts of the orbital motion-generating mechanism. Although gears 20 are shown to be directly coupled to gear 18, it is conceivable to configure to modify the rotational speed and torque capable to be exerted by head 30. Various gear ratios of the gear 18 (driving gear)-gear 20 (driven gear) combination may be used as long as the mechanism is capable of producing sufficient torque when the head is pressed against a user's head. Referring to FIG. 1 , the width 64 of housing 26 is about 4.5-5.5 inches and the width 66 of the handle 6 is about 2.25-2.5 inches.

The handle 6 includes a distal end 8 and a proximal end 10, wherein the orbital motion-generating mechanism 4 is disposed on the proximal end 10 and the distal end 8 of the handle 6 is configured to be held in a user's hand 48. The combined height 58 of the tool which includes the handle 6 and the housing 26 is preferably about 3-4 inches or a height that allows a user 22 to grasp the handle 6 and the housing 26 to secure the tool 2 for use. The circuit 12 is useful for controlling operations of the orbital motion-generating mechanism 4, the circuit 12 configured for receiving a power source 28 to power a motor 16 that mobilizes the orbital motion-generating mechanism 4. The reach 76 (or distance between the bottom edge of the housing 26 and the tip of the head 30) of the head 30 from the housing 26 is about 1-1.5 inches.

A switch 14 interposed in the circuit 12 and conveniently placed on the handle 6, is useful for turning on or off the motor 16. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 , the switch 14 serves as a global switch to control the functionality of the tilt switch 60. The tilt switch 60 is essentially a switch that is closed once the conductive fluid of the tilt switch is disposed in one end of the tube of tilt switch 60, completing the path between two ends of the conductive ends of the switch. The tilt switch 60 is disposed in a manner such that the title switch 60 automatically disables the circuit if the tool is disposed in an upside-down fashion (with the head 30 above the handle 6 or in the orientation shown in FIG. 2 . This way, an additional and deliberate step to either turn on or off the tool can be avoided and the actuation of the device is driven by the intended use of the tool, i.e., the tool is turned on whenever it is disposed in a position suitable for use. However, when the tool is no longer needed for an extended period of time, switch 14 can be disposed in the “Off” position to ensure that the tool is not accidentally turned on when the tilt switch 60 is disposed in a closed position unintentionally. In one embodiment, a tilt switch is not used and switch 14 alone is responsible for controlling whether power is supplied to the motor 16. In another embodiment, switch 14 is not required and the tilt switch 60 alone is responsible for controlling whether power is supplied to the motor 16.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the plate 56 serves as a support structure for a sponge assembly removably attached to the plate 56. The sponge assembly includes a backing 32 and a sponge 34 material attached to the backing 32. In the embodiment shown, the sponge assembly is configured to be removably attached to the plate 56 with a hook-and-loop attachment system including a hook and loop pair 36, 38 to promote ease of changeouts of the sponge or foam assembly due to wear and tear, the desire to use a different sponge assembly to create different twisted locks or for sanitary reasons.

Although the hook portions of the hook and loop pair 36, 38 may be more suitably used on the plate 56 as the hook portions may be more easily cleaned, renewed and therefore longer lasting, it makes no difference in the attachment performance afforded by the pair 36, 38. Suitable patterns for the hair-contacting surface of the sponge or foam include, but not limited to, egg crate shaped patterns or simply egg crate patterns and rippled patterns, etc.

FIG. 6 is a diagram depicting one position of the head 30 of a present hair-shaping tool 2 along the path of an orbital motion traversed by the head 30. FIG. 7 is a diagram depicting another position of the head 30 of a present hair-shaping tool 2 along the path of an orbital motion traversed by the head 30. FIG. 8 is a diagram depicting yet another position of the head 30 of a present hair-shaping tool 2 along the path of an orbital motion traversed by the head 30. FIG. 9 is a diagram depicting yet another position of the head 30 of a present hair-shaping tool 2 along the path of an orbital motion traversed by the head 30. For the sake of simplicity, no gear teeth are shown for gears 18 and 20, but rather, the outlines of the gears 18, 20 are represented with broken lines. It shall be noted that in an orbital motion, a point on the head 30 does not trace a circular path about the rotational axis of gear 18 as in a rotary motion. It shall also be noted that a connecting member 40 is attached to a second gear 20 at a point that is substantially disposed at the periphery of the second gear 20 in order to result in as large of an orbital motion as possible. The four points of connection of the connecting members 40 with the plate 56 are symmetrically disposed with respect to the diametric periphery of the plate or the head 30. The orientation of all the points of connection on a second gear 20 must be identical for the plate 56 to achieve the largest orbital motion possible given the second gears 20 of a size. It shall be noted that as the distance 52 between the rotational axis of the first gear 18 and a connecting member 40 and the orientation 54 of a connecting member 40 with respect to a vertical axis vary in each of FIGS. 6-9 , the plate 56 can be said to have traced a path that is not a simple rotary motion about axis 46. Rather, an orbital motion results from this arrangement of mechanism 4, the motion has been found to be suitable for creating twisted locks when the contacting head 30 of such a mechanism is applied to one's hair or Afro.

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view according to one embodiment of the present hair-shaping tool 2. FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the present hair-shaping tool 2 shown in FIG. 10 . FIG. 12 is a diagram depicting one embodiment of the present hair-shaping tool 2 being utilized to shape one's hair. The handle 6 disclosed in FIGS. 1-5 includes a member having a central axis 44 substantially coaxially disposed with respect to axis 46. In other words, the handle 6 is disposed substantially in line with the housing 26 that contains the orbital motion-generating mechanism 4. However, there are applications where an elongated handle 6 shown in FIGS. 10-12 can be useful, especially when the user is using the tool on himself or herself as the elongated handle allows the tool to be held from a distance to the user's head, relieving the user from having to bend his or her neck to make the tool's reach more robust. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10-12 , the handle 6 includes a member having a central axis 44 that is not coaxially disposed with respect to the rotational axis 46 of gear 18. The length 68 of the handle 6 is about 3.5-4 inches. Referring to FIG. 11 , the diameter 72 of the head 30 measures about 4.5-5.5 inches while the circumference 74 of handle 6 measures about 4-5 inches. Referring to FIG. 10 , the height 70 of the housing 26 measures about 2.5-3.5 inches.

FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view according to one embodiment of the present hair-shaping tool 2. Here, the head 30 includes a wire frame 62 structure configured in the shape of and attached to the backing 32 to form a wire frame 62 assembly. Again, the backing 32 is configured to be removable, just as the backing 32 shown in FIG. 5 . The wire frame 62 is constructed from a metallic material and is cleanable with soap or a cleaning solution, etc., making it cleanable and reusable. In one embodiment, the wire frame is at least partially coated with a polymeric or chemically-inert material to protect the wire frame from any potentially corrosive substances.

The detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, specific aspects and embodiments in which the present disclosed embodiments may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice aspects of the present invention. Other embodiments may be utilized, and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments. The various embodiments can be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments. The detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims, with the full scope of equivalents to which they may be entitled. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement that is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of embodiments of the present invention. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive, and that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Combinations of the above embodiments and other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon studying the above description. The scope of the present disclosed embodiments includes any other applications in which embodiments of the above structures and fabrication methods are used. The scope of the embodiments should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 

What is claimed herein is:
 1. A hair-shaping tool comprising: (a) an orbital motion-generating mechanism for supporting a hair-shaping head; (b) a handle comprising a distal end and a proximal end, wherein said orbital motion-generating mechanism is disposed on said proximal end and said distal end of said handle is configured to be held in a user's hand; and (c) a circuit for controlling operations of said orbital motion-generating mechanism, said circuit configured for receiving a power source to power a motor that mobilizes said orbital motion-generating mechanism, wherein said circuit is configured to activate said orbital motion-generating mechanism when hair-shaping is desired and to deactivate said orbital motion-generating mechanism when hair-shaping is not desired.
 2. The hair-shaping tool of claim 1, wherein said orbital motion-generating mechanism comprises a plate, a first gear and at least two second gears each comprising a connecting member having a first end and a second end and, said first gear is configured to receive an output of the motor to cause a rotary motion of said first gear about an axis and said first gear is configured to be rotatably coupled to said at least two second gears to cause a rotary motion in each of said at least two second gears, each said connecting member connecting, at a first end, one of said at least two second gears to said plate at a second end, wherein a rotation of said first gear causes said plate to orbit about said axis.
 3. The hair-shaping tool of claim 2, wherein said plate of said orbital motion-generating mechanism is configured to produce an orbital motion of about 200-250 revolutions/minute about said axis.
 4. The hair-shaping tool of claim 2, wherein at least one of said first end and said second end of each said connecting member is configured to allow a relative motion with respect to one of said at least two second gears and said plate.
 5. The hair-shaping tool of claim 2, wherein said handle comprises a member having a central axis substantially coaxially disposed with respect to said axis.
 6. The hair-shaping tool of claim 2, wherein said handle comprises a member having a central axis that is not coaxially disposed with respect to said axis.
 7. The hair-shaping tool of claim 1, wherein said orbital motion-generating mechanism comprises a plate and a sponge assembly removably attached to said plate.
 8. The hair-shaping tool of claim 7, wherein said sponge assembly comprises a backing and a sponge material attached to said backing.
 9. The hair-shaping tool of claim 1, wherein said orbital motion-generating mechanism comprises a plate, a sponge assembly and a hook-and-loop attachment system, wherein said sponge assembly is configured to be removably attached to said plate with said hook-and-loop attachment system.
 10. The hair-shaping tool of claim 1, wherein said orbital motion-generating mechanism comprises a plate and a wire frame assembly removably attached to said plate.
 11. A hair-shaping tool comprising: (a) an orbital motion-generating mechanism for supporting a hair-shaping head; (b) a handle comprising a distal end and a proximal end, wherein said orbital motion-generating mechanism is disposed on said proximal end and said distal end of said handle is configured to be held in a user's hand; and (c) a circuit for controlling operations of said orbital motion-generating mechanism, said circuit configured for receiving a power source to power a motor that mobilizes said orbital motion-generating mechanism, wherein said circuit is configured to activate said orbital motion-generating mechanism when hair-shaping is desired and to deactivate said orbital motion-generating mechanism when hair-shaping is not desired, wherein said orbital motion-generating mechanism comprises a plate, a first gear and at least two second gears each comprising a connecting member having a first end and a second end and, said first gear is configured to receive an output of the motor to cause a rotary motion of said first gear about an axis and said first gear is configured to be rotatably coupled to said at least two second gears to cause a rotary motion in each of said at least two second gears, each said connecting member connecting, at a first end, one of said at least two second gears to said plate at a second end, wherein a rotation of said first gear causes said plate to orbit about said axis.
 12. The hair-shaping tool of claim 11, wherein said plate of said orbital motion-generating mechanism is configured to produce an orbital motion of about 200-250 revolutions/minute about said axis.
 13. The hair-shaping tool of claim 11, wherein at least one of said first end and said second end of each said connecting member is configured to allow a relative motion with respect to one of said at least two second gears and said plate.
 14. The hair-shaping tool of claim 11, wherein said handle comprises a member having a central axis substantially coaxially disposed with respect to said axis.
 15. The hair-shaping tool of claim 11, wherein said handle comprises a member having a central axis that is not coaxially disposed with respect to said axis.
 16. The hair-shaping tool of claim 11, wherein said orbital motion-generating mechanism comprises a plate and a sponge assembly removably attached to said plate.
 17. The hair-shaping tool of claim 16, wherein said sponge assembly comprises a backing and a sponge material attached to said backing.
 18. The hair-shaping tool of claim 11, wherein said orbital motion-generating mechanism comprises a plate, a sponge assembly and a hook-and-loop attachment system, wherein said sponge assembly is configured to be removably attached to said plate with said hook-and-loop attachment system.
 19. The hair-shaping tool of claim 11, wherein said orbital motion-generating mechanism comprises a plate and a wire frame assembly removably attached to said plate. 